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# ESET PROTECT vs Kaspersky Next Optimum Comparison - What are their main differences?

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ESET PROTECTKaspersky Next Optimum[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**ESET PROTECT**
Free Trial

No pricing available

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
Free Trial

**$77** node/year · Advanced

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**ESET PROTECT**
2 months

Based on 125 responses

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
1 monthFaster

Based on 17 responses

Return on Investment

**ESET PROTECT**
14 months5 months sooner

Based on 110 responses

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
19 months

Based on 12 responses

Perceived Cost

**ESET PROTECT**
$$$$$

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**ESET PROTECT**
11%

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
12%1% more

**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**ESET PROTECT**
[
Ease of Use (95)
](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1581894&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Protection (79)
](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1583319&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Learning Curve (32)
](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1583926&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Difficult Configuration (31)
](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1582035&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
[
Blocking (5)
](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2282697&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Ease of Use (5)
](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1453038&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
High Resource Usage (6)
](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2165811&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Slow Performance (5)
](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1453012&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Integrations

**ESET PROTECT**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_a9279abf95f4eac70ed9904077b93f39/arctic-wolf%282%29.png "Product Avatar Image")

Arctic Wolf

](https://www.g2.com/products/arctic-wolf/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7550bcff45895b9a0bd1ebb5c48260a6/atera-it-management.png "Product Avatar Image")

Atera

](https://www.g2.com/products/atera-it-management/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_9fe68a4b30c295f2cb99e52be20e0e26/autotask.png "Product Avatar Image")

Autotask

](https://www.g2.com/products/autotask/reviews)[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b3390b4cc3d92e87d570895f7358c003/aws-directory-service.jpg "Product Avatar Image")

AWS Directory Service

](https://www.g2.com/products/aws-directory-service/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/integrations)

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
Not enough data

Screenshots

**ESET PROTECT**
 ![ESET PROTECT screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/160043/01-EPP-Dashboard-Status-Overveiw-2026-08-05.png)

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**
 ![Kaspersky Next Optimum screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/25866/KESB-management-console.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**ESET PROTECT**

9.2

9.2876

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.9

8.9174

Ease of Use

**ESET PROTECT**

8.9

8.9877

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.6

8.6175

Ease of Setup

**ESET PROTECT**

8.8

8.8612

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.3

8.372

Ease of Admin

**ESET PROTECT**

8.5

8.5452

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.4

8.466

Quality of Support

**ESET PROTECT**

8.9

8.9812

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.4

8.4168

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**ESET PROTECT**

8.9

8.9441

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.3

8.366

Product Direction (% positive)

**ESET PROTECT**

8.7

8.7859

**Kaspersky Next Optimum**

8.5

8.5175

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Endpoint Protection Platforms

9.1

327

8.9

64

Malware Analysis Tools

9.5

102

Not enough data

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Platforms

9.8

38

Not enough data

Antivirus

6.1

41

Not enough data

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

9.6

32

Not enough data

Network Sandboxing

Not enough data

8.7

13

Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)

9.8

36

Not enough data

Encryption

Not enough data

9.3

9

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
42.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
47.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
10.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
42.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
47.0%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
10.2%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
31.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
28.0%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
31.1%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
40.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
28.0%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![ESET PROTECT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2a91dba34f34a7c8ddf3ac91f9b897cf/eset-protect.svg "ESET PROTECT")](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews)
ESET PROTECT

Information Technology and Services
13.2%

Computer Software
5.5%

Construction
4.5%

Computer & Network Security
3.9%

Internet
3.4%

Other
69.5%

[![Kaspersky Next Optimum](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/03265aa9f2180c15db42438ab7869849/kaspersky-next-optimum.svg "Kaspersky Next Optimum")](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews)
Kaspersky Next Optimum

Information Technology and Services
22.6%

Computer Software
5.6%

Accounting
4.6%

Financial Services
4.6%

Computer & Network Security
3.6%

Other
59.0%

Alternatives

**ESET PROTECT Alternatives**

 ![CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_56db399f44b6fabb7c667f09bc770579/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform.png "CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform")

[
CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint...
](/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews)

 ![ThreatDown](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28bf06470a2d1a33a2054aaa7af30d4c/threatdown.svg "ThreatDown")

[
ThreatDown
](/products/threatdown/reviews)

 ![Sophos Endpoint](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-endpoint.svg "Sophos Endpoint")

[
Sophos Endpoint
](/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews)

 ![Check Point Endpoint Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/64ff8da1b6e6ffabf4336ae2510e8e3e/check-point-endpoint-security.svg "Check Point Endpoint Security")

[
Check Point Endpoint Security
](/products/check-point-endpoint-security/reviews)

**Kaspersky Next Optimum Alternatives**

 ![ThreatDown](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/28bf06470a2d1a33a2054aaa7af30d4c/threatdown.svg "ThreatDown")

[
ThreatDown
](/products/threatdown/reviews)

 ![Sophos Endpoint](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/c3eafd206cf051259b58dcd9712f2d46/sophos-endpoint.svg "Sophos Endpoint")

[
Sophos Endpoint
](/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews)

 ![CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_56db399f44b6fabb7c667f09bc770579/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform.png "CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform")

[
CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint...
](/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews)

 ![Symantec End-user Endpoint Security](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/febf306cec186bc3cb4144c2a79f41c5/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security.svg "Symantec End-user Endpoint Security")

[
Symantec End-user Endpoint...
](/products/symantec-end-user-endpoint-security/reviews)

## ESET PROTECT vs Kaspersky Next Optimum FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Kaspersky Next Optimum vs ESET PROTECT?

ESET PROTECT stands out over Kaspersky Next Optimum with higher reviewer ratings, superior support, and a stronger Ease of Setup score.

| | [Kaspersky Next Optimum](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews) | [ESET PROTECT](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (208 reviews) | 4.6/5 (1003 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Mid-Market | Mid-Market |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.2 | 8.8 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.4 | 8.9 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Blocking (5 all-time mentions) | Device Control Features |

### How do the pricing models of Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT compare?

ESET PROTECT is rated as the stronger value by reviewers, with a higher satisfaction score on price and cost-related dimensions.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Reviewers highlight cost-effectiveness and affordability, especially for SMBs, but also note resource usage concerns.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Reviewers consistently describe ESET PROTECT as offering excellent value, with pricing that feels fair and a strong ROI for organizations of all sizes.

### What are the best alternatives to Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT?

The top 3 alternatives to Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT are CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform, ThreatDown, and Sophos Endpoint.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Kaspersky Next Optimum](https://www.g2.com/products/kaspersky-next-optimum/reviews) | 4.3/5 (208 reviews) | Mid-Market | Cost-effective for SMBs | Blocking (5 all-time mentions) |
| [ESET PROTECT](https://www.g2.com/products/eset-protect/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1003 reviews) | Mid-Market | Excellent value, strong ROI | Device Control Features |
| [CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/crowdstrike-falcon-endpoint-protection-platform/reviews) | 4.6/5 (441 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [ThreatDown](https://www.g2.com/products/threatdown/reviews) | 4.6/5 (1089 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |
| [Sophos Endpoint](https://www.g2.com/products/sophos-endpoint/reviews) | 4.7/5 (837 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | — |

### Which Endpoint Protection Platforms features should I prioritize when comparing Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT?

Buyers should prioritize centralized management, device control, threat detection, ease of setup, and resource efficiency when comparing Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT.

- **Centralized Management:** Kaspersky Next Optimum (2 all-time mentions), ESET PROTECT (frequent recent reviewer praise for unified console and visibility)
- **Device Control:** ESET PROTECT offers device control features not present in Kaspersky Next Optimum
- **Threat Detection:** Kaspersky Next Optimum (4 all-time mentions for threat detection), ESET PROTECT (recent reviews highlight strong malware and ransomware detection)
- **Ease of Setup:** Kaspersky Next Optimum (Ease of Setup score: 8.2), ESET PROTECT (Ease of Setup score: 8.8)
- **Resource Efficiency:** Kaspersky Next Optimum (6 all-time mentions of high resource usage as a trade-off), ESET PROTECT (recent reviews highlight lightweight performance)

### What are the pros and cons of Kaspersky Next Optimum vs ESET PROTECT?

Kaspersky Next Optimum's headline strength is blocking and threat detection, while ESET PROTECT is recognized for device control and lightweight performance.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum strengths:** Blocking (5 all-time mentions), ease of use (5), threat protection (5), threat detection (4), centralized management (2), cost-effectiveness for SMBs.
- **Kaspersky Next Optimum trade-offs:** High resource usage (6 all-time mentions), slow performance (5), complex setup (2), difficult configuration (2), integration issues (2).
- **ESET PROTECT strengths:** Device control features, lightweight agent, centralized management, strong malware and ransomware detection, excellent value and ROI, ease of deployment and administration.
- **ESET PROTECT trade-offs:** Complex policy management and onboarding, steep learning curve for the management console, some advanced features require higher-tier licenses, occasional reporting and alert noise.

### Is Kaspersky Next Optimum or ESET PROTECT better for small businesses?

ESET PROTECT is the better fit for small businesses, with strong reviewer sentiment and a lightweight, easy-to-manage platform.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; reviewers note cost-effectiveness and comprehensive controls, but also mention resource usage and setup complexity.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Largest segment is Mid-Market; recent reviews from small-business environments highlight ease of use, lightweight performance, and centralized management as key benefits for small teams.

### Which Endpoint Protection Platforms platform has better integrations?

ESET PROTECT is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing Microsoft 365 integration.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Recent reviews mention integration complexity and issues with SIEM/SOAR tools and Splunk, but do not cite specific successful integrations.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Microsoft 365 integration is cited in recent reviews, with reviewers noting smooth integration with existing tools and platforms.

### How do Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT compare on customer support?

ESET PROTECT outperforms Kaspersky Next Optimum on Quality of Support by a material margin, with a 0.5-point higher score (8.9 vs 8.4).

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Reviewers report mixed support experiences, with several citing slow or unresponsive support and a lack of skilled engineers, though some mention responsive support when premium or local reseller services are used.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Reviewers consistently praise support quality, describing it as helpful, responsive, and effective in resolving issues, with multiple recent reviews rating support at the highest level.

### Which is easier to implement, Kaspersky Next Optimum or ESET PROTECT?

ESET PROTECT is easier to implement, with a 0.6-point higher Ease of Setup score (8.8 vs 8.2) and more positive reviewer sentiment.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Reviewers note setup complexity, especially for large deployments and integrations, with some citing the need for multiple update servers and complex configuration steps.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Reviewers highlight straightforward onboarding, simple deployment, and a lightweight agent, though some mention a learning curve for advanced configurations.

### Which product has better Firewall?

Kaspersky Next Optimum and ESET PROTECT both offer strong Firewall capabilities, with reviewers citing effective protection and control features for each.

- **Kaspersky Next Optimum:** Firewall is frequently mentioned in reviews, with users noting its effectiveness in blocking threats and controlling endpoint access; some mention occasional over-blocking or default restrictions.
- **ESET PROTECT:** Reviewers highlight robust antivirus and firewall protection, with positive feedback on ease of use and centralized management of firewall policies.